The 144th annual Kentucky Derby is set to fall on the same Saturday as Mexico’s fabled Cinco de Mayo this weekend. Naturally, you’ll require some celebrating and maybe an ornate hat. Your instincts should tell you to celebrate in a way that commemorates both the sport of kings just and the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best Derby parties, the best Cinco parties, and the parties that dare combine the two…
Cinco de Drinko at Clinton Hall
You Require: A charming spring afternoon outdoors amongst friends, fellow imbibers and people yelling at horses.
You’ll Receive: A capacious downtown beer garden stocked with cornhole sets, mint juleps and corn chip-stuffed cheeseburgers. You’ll have approximately all day to consume such delights.
No cost, Clinton Hall, 90 Washington St (near Rector St), 212-363-6000
Cinco de Derby at Handcraft
You Require:Â A full commitment to celebrating both hallowed events at once.
You’ll Receive: Bourbon Margaritas, Tequila Juleps, and five enormous televisions featuring one prominent horse race.
No cost, Handcraft, 367 Third Ave (between 26th and 27th), 212-689-3000
The Kentucky Derby Party at Saxon + Parole
You Require: An AYCD situation of the highest order and a more authentic Derby viewing experience.
You’ll Receive: Unlimited Derby fare and cocktails as you soak in some impromptu bluegrass and stand near a live horse. Read that sentence again, but slowly.
3-7pm, $135, Saxon + Parole, 316 Bowery (off Bleeker St.), 212-254-0350
Maysville’s Kentucky Derby Infield Party
You Require: Authentic Southern tradition with a charity kicker.
You’ll Receive: Hot brown croquettes, beer cheese, country ham and bourbon balls cooked up by chef Shane McBride—with a portion of ticket sales heading to Cookies for Kids.
4-7pm, $40, Maysville, 17 W 26th St (near Broadway), 646-490-8240
The Kentucky Derby at Refinery Rooftop
You Require: A classy rooftop affair with sartorial flare and jazz—so much jazz.
You’ll Receive: An open bar situation that comes in a variety of whiskey and champagne rooms, live music in Winnie’s Jazz Lounge and hors d’oeuvres from Executive Chef Jeff Haskell. There’s also a best-dressed competition, in which the winner will score a trip to next year’s Derby.
3:30-7:30pm, $125, Refinery Rooftop, 63 W 38th St (near 6th Ave), 646-664-0310